Portrait of Giacomo Mellerio

Giacomo Mellerio (1777-1847), a figure of great importance in the Milan of the early nineteenth century, a friend of Alessandro Manzoni, Antonio Rosmini and Gabrio Piola, holds numerous positions, up to becoming Vice-Chancellor for the Lombardy-Veneto region. He soon withdrew from political life and committed his enormous wealth and personal prestige to charitable activities. In his will, in which he appoints his nephew heir, he establishes conspicuous legacies for the Maggiore Hospital and other charitable institutions.